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SmartBrain Technology-Keeping ADHD in Check

Now before you go running off yelling at us because of another quasi off topic post you should realize that "it is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD, or approximately 2 million children in the United States. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD." That being said researchers are working on using video games to help with the treatment of ADHD. Their hope is that playing video games will improve the lives of those with ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which can be seen in people who have cognitive processing abilities.

People with these disorders experience "constant frustration," says Henry Owens, a Melbourne, Fla., clinical psychologist who recently began offering a patented video game system, which evolved from NASA technology, to some of his patients. "If they just play video games on their own, they will zone out," he says. "When they play on this system, if they zone out, the video game doesn't respond any more," acting as an incentive to improve focus and concentration.

The key here is controlling brain wave activity, which can be too slow or too fast depending on what part of the brain when a patient has ADHD. While Dr. Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Schneider Children's Hospital in New Hyde Park, N.Y.states that the treatment process is still controversial, reporting that studies have yet to show video game play with a neuro-feedback component has either a short-term or long-term benefit, despite parents' desire to explore other options in the wake of recent concerns about Ritalin and other stimulants used to treat ADHD.

He also worries that parents may abandon traditional methods of treatment, which with pharmacological and educational intervention has been proved effective. The game station, developed by San Diego company, CyberLearning Technology has already been in contact with patients in real life situations. The system is currently available for consumers to purchase directly from SmartBrain Technology. The system currently has an approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Typical cost of in-office neuro-feedback treatment programs usually cost from $4,000 to $5,000, while the cool price of a SmartBrain Technology system runs about $580, with in-office network provider supervision running less then $2,000. The best part, the games on the list are from the PlayStation and Playstation 2 archive, so many games will be familiar to gamers who have this disability.